Are science and mathematics the only valid methods of determining what is true?

Question

And if there are others what are they? What should the balance between the different methods be?

Answer 1

Regarding Mathematics:
Mathematics is very good for determing what is true, given a certain set of assumptions. Whether or not those assumptions are true about the world is another matter. For example, there are different geometrical systems that have different assumptions about whether or not parrallel lines remain equidistant (Euclidean) or can converge or diverge (Riemannian). Each one is true, given the axioms and postulates the system works with.

While it is universally understood that 1+2=3, the early 20th century was frought with mathematicians trying to determine whether or not all mathematical problems could be reduced down to arithmetic. Through logic, they determined that all of math could be built on a few assumptions, but those logic derivations were limited. Specifically, as Godel famously pointed out (I'm paraphrasing because I don't have his work on-hand):

Any theory [an infinite set of statements which are either taken as true without proof (axioms) or true by being derived from the axioms (theorems)] that provides basic arithmetic truths, an arithmetic statements that is true but unprovable (though first-order logic) can be contructed.

So, suppose you contruct a statement such as this:

This sentence is not true.

If that sentence is provable true, it is not consistent with itself; it's a contradiction. If the sentence is not provable true, then it is, by itself, incomplete. Godel's work was partially significant because he applied the same sort of reasoning to mathematics.

Regarding Science:
Science is a tool for understanding the mechanisms and proximate causes of the natural world. It does not give us something we can call true, per se. It develops a model that may or may not correlate with "the real thing" that is usually kept based on its ability to describe phenomena and make testable, novel predictions. Models are replaced when a better model comes along.

Conclusion:
So, in a sense, neither is 100% effective at determining what is *true,* but, nevertheless they have very strong predictive power. If it is possible to determine what is true (and I think it is), you have to look elsewhere...but that's a whole other topic to itself.

Answer 2

Science is very good at what it does. Does it do everything? No. Does that mean we are free to disregard what science has spoken about with authority? Yes, but you must understand that the chances of you being right go down dramatically. If you are not a biologist and begin drawing conclusions on biology that contradict science, you are almost certain to be making a mistake. Do you play Chess? Do you play the game following the rules? People who try to undermine scientific method are like children trying to win a game of chess against a Grandmaster. It could happen, but it is very unlikely. People tend to accept the fruits of scientific method (the Internet, all things electronic, health care, etc. ) while rejecting the tree which provides it. This seems inconsistent. That said, however, science is a tool to measure things. If the topic is not a thing or is not measurable we can expect the usual variety of opinions to be forthcoming. I think Plato is still a good read and do not see that science could ever have anything to say about it. I do not believe that morality is within the scientific realm, nor do I believe that it is therefore relative. Science does not claim to sound the arts or morality.

Answer 3

Within the confines of a mechanical reality, they are the only valid methods. The truths they reveal only assist humanity in the mechanical/physical plane of existence.
These truths fall short in assisting humanity solve the problems of quality of life, happiness, providing for the common good, ethics, and the care of children and the elderly. Science leaves a great deal unexplained.

If we limit the definition of truth to this mechanical world, we deny the existence of any other potential truths. This is why science and math deserve an important seat at the table, but not the ruling chair in the provision of human societies.
It's difficult to say how many other seats there would be and what disciplines should occupy them. Some thoughts:
Physics/Chemistry and Mathematics = hard sciences
Biology = softer science
Sociology/Psychology/Anthropology = social, quasi sciences, more related to history
Health/Medicine = combination of science and art
The Arts = mostly devoid of science, but fully involved with human happiness
Metaphysics/Intuition = difficult to define.. able to relate to science
Divinity = difficult to define.. unscientific

Those are seven disciplines I consider important. I like the roundtable approach. Note that all but 2 of the 7 involve science. I suppose that ideally, none of the above should occupy a permanent lead chair at such a table.

Good question

Answer 4

Science and mathematics the only valid methods of determining what is true, in the realm of Science and mathematics.

They can't help you at all outside of their area of expertise.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 5

Can science illumine the mystery of love or of beauty? Is there a mathematical formula that determines goodness? The reduction of human inquiry to science and mathematics is one of the great conceits of modernity.

Answer 6

Everything is not based on logic. There are things like common sense, intuition, etc. To me, seeking truth only on the basis of logic is a bit crude. Animals can also sense certain events before occurring. There is no logic in that kind of things. Being too logical is actually being narrow-minded.

Answer 7

Science and mathematics are just- science and mathematics.
They are but a nano fraction of the whole Truth.

The Truth lies deep within you.

Answer 8

Logic and scientific method are what you need, but inductive logic is safer than deductive logic alone.

Answer 9

I believe COMMON SENSE is also important, but many scientists seem to lack this.

Answer 10

the truth= what you can see, smell, hear, feel, understand